Topeka ? The Kansas Senate was scheduled to start debate this morning on a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit gay marriage and civil commitments.

The House has already approved the measure.

Senate takes up amendment to ban gay marriage (3-25-04)

If 27 members in the 40-member Senate approve the House version, the matter will be on the ballot for voter consideration in November.

The proposed amendment states that marriage is a civil contract between a man and a woman, and that all other marriages are void. It also says that no relationship other than a marriage between a man and a woman would be recognized by the state as entitled to marriage benefits.

State law already says marriages in Kansas can only be between a man and a woman, but supporters of the proposed amendment say the rule needs to be placed in the state constitution to protect marriage from court decisions that say same-sex marriages must be recognized.

Opponents to the amendment said it is unnecessary and will increase discrimination against homosexuals.